Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Cheery Cherry Quartz

Today's beads are made of what appears to be cherry quartz. They are adorable and very "cheery", but I wasn't sure exactly what type of stones they were until I did a few searches. Even though these really do look like they could be made of quartz, cherry "quartz" is actually a type of glass that is dyed and cut into a number of popular shapes. The color is just gorgeous and the photo doesn't do these justice!

When I realized I had two beads in the same color, I started to think of project ideas for using them together. The most obvious method would be to include them as a 2 tiered pendant, but I'd like to try something a little bit different. I'm thinking of taking the rectangular bead, running craft wire through the hole and bringing the ends to the middle point on top of the bead, giving it a twist and adding a variety of glass, stone, pearl and/or
swarovski sparkle!! Sort of like a "beaded" bead. I think it will give it an artistic flair.

In that case, I think it would be fun as a bracelet focal bead, the only trouble then is what to do with the little briolette type bead... Let me know what you think, I am certainly open to ideas!! :)

6 comments:

ohdawno said...

How about using the briolette bead as part of the clasp? That way, no matter which side of the bracelet ends up on the top of your wrist, it has a pretty cherry quartz stone. My bracelets always end up upside down, so I like it if there's some detail to the clasp!

Just A Tish said...

I love cherry 'quartz'. I use it alot as accents to my pieces.

D's World said...

Lovely beads! I would love a huge ring with one of those! Simply lovely!

Lisa Crone said...

Great idea Dawno!! That briolette would be perfect as part of the clasp!! Thanks for sharing!

Lisa Crone said...

A giant ring out of one of those would be so cool! I need to get brave and make something big like that! Excellent idea D!

The Beading Gem said...

I love using cherry quartz in designs but not on me!It flatters some skin tones but not others. Looks really good with amazonite. Pearl